Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

Which insect is known to significantly impact the leaves of plants by creating small tunnels?

1. Leaf miner

2. Aphid

3. Spider mite

4. Whitefly

The correct answer is: Leaf miner

The leaf miner is known for significantly impacting the leaves of plants by creating small, winding tunnels within them. This damage occurs because the larval stage of the insect feeds on the tissue between the upper and lower leaf surfaces, resulting in the characteristic leaf mines. These mines not only detract from the plant's aesthetics but can also reduce photosynthesis and overall plant vigor. Other insects listed, such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, are known for different types of damage. Aphids typically feed on sap and can cause leaf curling or yellowing but do not create tunnels. Spider mites may lead to stippling and webbing on the leaves, while whiteflies suck sap and can cause leaf yellowing and drop, but neither produces the distinctive tunneling damage that is characteristic of leaf miners.